Greater Alton Concert Association’s next lineup

Published 12:00 am, Wednesday, July 16, 2014

It seems only a few weeks ago that John Davidson was playing the Greater Alton Concert Association’s season finale concert and now based on its audience’s remarks and requests are announcing its 74th season lineup.

All concerts start at 3 p.m. unless otherwise noted in the Ann Whitney Olin Theater at the Hatheway Cultural Center on the campus of Lewis and Clark Community College in Godfrey. Tickets at the door cost $27 for adults, $10 for children 12 and younger, and for LCCC students. Season tickets cost $80 for all five shows. For children (12 and younger or LCCC students) season tickets cost $25 or $50 for two or more. Advance individual concert tickets cost $25 and will be available in Alton at Senior Services Plus, CNB Bank and Trust, the Alton Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau, Halpin Music, Alton Holiday Inn, Dick’s Flowers, Liberty Bank, and Picture This and More. In Godfrey, at Liberty Bank; in Bethalto at Bank of Edwardsville and Liberty Bank; in Brighton, Carlinville and Carrollton at CNB Bank and Trust; in Jerseyville at the Jerseyville Public Library; and in Wood River at Dick’s Flowers. Tickets are also available by calling 618-468-4222 (468-GACA) or through Metrotix.com.

Sunday Sept. 21

Award-winning artist Collin Raye kicks off the season. He shot to fame in 1991 with the song “Love, Me.” This song continues to be used for weddings, anniversaries, memorial services and funerals. He has had 24 top 10 records, 16 No. 1 hits, and been a 10 time “Male Vocalist of the Year” nominee. Raye is a musician who uses his music and stardom to promote positive and loving messages. In 2001 he was presented the Country Radio Seminar’s Humanitarian of the Year award in recognition of his work for organizations such as Boys Town, First Steps, Al-Anon and Special Olympics to name a few. In 2011 he released his first inspirational album, “His Love Remains”, which quickly shot to No. 1 on Amazon for inspirational and religious music. He tours all over the world and recently returned from a tour in Ireland. Visit www.collinraye.com for more information.

Sunday Oct. 26

Fifty years ago the Beatles came to America and changed the rock and roll world forever. Two years ago Beatlemania Magic recreated these classic sounds for the Greater Alton Concert Association. This Beatles tribute band brings the authentic sounds and looks of the different Beatle “eras.” Take a trip through the earliest songs such as “She Loves Me” to the later sound of “Sgt. Pepper,” “Let It Be” and “Abbey Road.” This year they played a sold out performance at the Majestic Performing Arts Center in Ohio, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Beatles appearance on “Ed Sullivan.” Visit www.beatlemaniamagic.com for more information.

7:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15 — 2015

Al Simmons’ one-man, multi-prop, music-filled, off-the-wall performances have elevated audiences worldwide to collective giggles and all-out guffaws. Simmons’ humor touches a responsive chord in people of every age. While it may be difficult to define this program, the titles of his albums may give some insight (or not) —“Something’s Fishy at Camp Wiganishis,” “Celery Stalks at Midnight,” and “The Truck I Bought From Moe.” Those who remember and enjoyed vaudeville will have something to tell their family about. Simmons’ inspirations are great comedy kings such as Danny Kaye, Spike Jones and Jimmy Durante. Visit www.alsimmons.com for more information.

7:30 p.m. Saturday March 7 — 2015

Returning after a three year absence, The Ambassadors of Harmony are the St. Louis area’s premier men’s a cappella chorus of more than 130 voices known for powerful and musically masterful performances. Its repertoire includes Broadway classics, barbershop, jazz, pop and wide selection of holiday favorites. The chorus has won three gold medals in the Barbershop Harmony Society’s international contest, most recently in 2012 in Portland, Ore. The Ambassadors of Harmony has sung for audiences across the United States and also performed in England, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands and Sweden. Visit www.aoh.org for more information.

Sunday April 19 — 2015

The words “Rat Pack” bring back memories with names like Dean, Frank and Sammy. Dean Christopher brings these memories to life when he takes the stage with his band to bring favorites like “My Way” and “I’ve Got You Under My Skin.” He has more than 30 years experience as an actor, singer, comedian and an impressionist. He has opened for Don Rickles and Frank Sinatra Jr. He also released a CD, “Swingin’ with the Best.” Visit www.ratpackandmore.com for more information.